Sports attractions

Given the stunning Alpine landscape with its breathaking 4000-meter
mountains, it isn't surprising that mountain sports experienced a revival on the
Riffelalp. There was a constant stream of famous mountaineers, and all the great
Zermatt mountain guide families were coming and going with their clients.

Every day, hikes were on the program. A unique feature at that time were the
tennis courts, where guests could indulge in the sport in the presence of the
mighty Matterhorn.

Very early on, the Seiler family had decided that Zermatt could become a
place for winter sports, too. In 1908, a winter visit from Zermatt to Riffelalp
was organized for the press. But it was to take almost another 20 years before
winter holidays in Zermatt became possible. The first official winter season was
in 1928, and from that time Zermatt--and with it, Riffelalp--flourished as a
winter sports resort.